I am an Oregon State Licensed Direct-Entry Midwife and have practiced as a primary birth attendant since 1983. My training experience includes work and apprenticeship with a midwife/obstetrician team in Northern California from 1981-1984. I have been trained in all facets of HOMEBIRTH midwifery care, from prenatal through birth and postpartum. I participate in ongoing self-study and continuing education. A more detailed reference of my education, training and experience is available upon request.

    My own births and the births of 100’s of women have shown me that natural birth is an innately transforming, empowering and healing experience for women and families. As a midwife, I work to consciously facilitate this natural process of pregnancy and birth as it unfolds, without undue interference and with utmost respect and honor for life itself.

   
    Giving birth is an intensely personal experience, unique for each woman. Because each situation presents differently, care is never routine. I support a woman’s right to make her own choices about her birth and her health care.

Because I believe that babies are fully conscious beings, both prebirth and as newborns, I consider it our responsibility as parents and midwives to create the most gentle, loving and respectful birth and bonding experience that we possibly can and I work toward this end.

I believe childbirth to be a normal natural event with a spontaneous, uncomplicated outcome in most cases. The midwife assists and guides the birthing mother, couple and family through the process of pregnancy, birth and postpartum by monitoring that natural process.

Parents must maintain full responsibility for their own health and for the outcome of their birth. I will offer assistance with information on nutrition, healthy pregnancy habits, exercise, etc. but parents must assume responsibility for maintaining excellent health. Choosing to birth at home means taking on extra responsibility in this area because technological help is not immediately available as it is in the hospital.

I am trained and experienced in HOMEBIRTH, including handling complications. I am also trained to assess prenatal, birth and postpartum complications and to consult or refer to other health care providers as necessary, including a medical doctor or hospital.